Death Of A High Street

Many High Streets have seen a large number of shop closures over the last couple of years, with some towns suffering more severely than others.

In some cases, closures have been the result of the demise of whole shopping chains, whilst others have been due to localised closures, where retailers have had to reduce store numbers to avoid total collapse.

I’ve visited some High Streets and shopping centres that appear to be holding up quite well, but others are ghosts of their former selves. One in particular that falls into the latter category is Chatham in Kent.

I was born and bred in Medway, having lived in various locations around the towns, often using Chatham as a place to shop. Although I have now moved out of the Medway area, I have made a couple of recent trips back to Chatham High Street when visiting relatives and can’t believe the change in the place.

As a child I loved to go and spend my birthday and pocket money in the town. There were some great toy shops (Youngsters and Gees) in the town and lots of big High Street stores such as Marks and Spencer, Woolworths, British Home Stores (as it then was), Co-op and Featherstones.

In the 1970s the Pentagon shopping centre opened (I remember going there to see the Wombles turn up for the official opening) and some of the stores from the High Street, such as WHSmith and Boots moved inside, as well as new shops arriving such as C&A and Etam.

Today both the High Street and Pentagon shopping centre are shadows of their former selves. Marks and Spencer and the now rebranded BHS moved out years ago and of course, Woolworths disappeared from all of our High Streets, but what is more concerning is the number of other retailers that have pulled out of the town, seemingly making it their first choice of towns from which to withdraw.

In light of the news that Tesco needed to close a large number of stores, Chatham was put on the hit list. Now WHSmith have also announced they’re shutting up shop and rumours are flying about who else is set to go.

Over the years national chains such as Next, Peacocks, Mothercare, HMV and The Early Learning Centre have, one by one, left the town, although all still exist in nearby Maidstone.

The only new shops that seem to be opening in the town are pound stores. Poundland, 99p Stores, Poundworld, The Mighty Pound, Around-a-pound – talk about in for a pound! Now whilst these shops may have their place, there are a hell of a lot of things you can’t buy in them and not all of us want to shop in them. It seems the more that the council allow these shops (along with betting shops, pawnbrokers and dubious ‘market-stall’ type shops) move into the town, the more the long-standing stores decide to leave. I always thought councils looked carefully at the balance of shops in a town, limiting numbers of any one type of shop, to maintain diversity.

shops are packing
up and going!

There was a time when people would have travelled to the town from all around Kent because of the great selection of shops on offer. Now the choices are miserable, the town looks dowdy and people not only don’t visit there to shop anymore, but even locals choose to travel elsewhere.

The decline of the town’s High Street is very sad and is largely due, I feel, to bad town management. It will take something miraculous to revive this dismal High Street.

How are High Streets near you holding up?

January’s A Good Month To ...

Avoid making a New Year’s Resolution. Yes, seriously. Many people find that the pressure of undertaking a big life change at New Year makes it more difficult to accomplish their goals. Deciding to lose weight, quit smoking, get fitter etc is sometimes easier to accomplish at a time of your own choosing, or when the weather is warmer to make you feel more optimistic. The only resolution I’ve ever made and stuck to, is not to make a New Year’s resolution!

Raid the ‘End of Sale’ rails. I’ve never been one to queue on the first day of a sale, or even turn up within the first few days of one starting. I’m much more the type of shopper that scours the shops for ‘End of Sale’ bargains. Past finds have included Marks and Spencer jeans for £5, M&S boots for £3 and toiletry gift sets from Boots at 90% reduction. OK, so there’s not so much choice towards the end of a sale, but the savings can be huge!

Fill up those charity bags. Now’s the time to clear out all of those cupboards and drawers to make room for all of the goodies that you received for Christmas. And if you received some unwanted gifts, why not donate those to a local charity shop too? Beware, however, of some of the so-called charity bags that are posted through your door. Whilst some are genuine, others most definitely are not. If in doubt, try to take your donations directly to a charity shop, to ensure that your gifts are helping the people that you intend to help, as opposed to lining the pockets of unscrupulous individuals.

Curl up with a good book. Whilst I accept that e-readers have their place, I feel you can’t beat holding an actual book in your hand, with it’s intriguing cover beckoning you to discover its treasures within. I love to turn the pages – sometimes with some speed when I reach a particularly exciting bit – enjoying the feel of the paper and weight of the tome. Snuggling up by the fire on a winter’s day, book in hand, is sheer bliss!

My Autumn Beauty Buys

As I get older, I prefer a more subtle approach to make-up, using products that give me a healthy glow as opposed to emphasising every little flaw. The latest additions to my make-up bag certainly reflect this trend.

 

I’ve recently discovered No7 Stay Perfect Superlight Foundation SPF15 from Boots, which gives me a light, dewy coverage that evens my skin tone without looking unnatural. It’s a great little product and a little goes a long way.

Staying with No7 products, I’m now using their Stay Perfect Smoothing Eyeshadow in Bronze and Nude to add a subtle sheen of colour to my eyelids, rather than using a product that is too full on and heavy. The liquid formula glides on with the sponge applicator, and the tubes are handy and light to carry in your bag.

I do love the way No7 have developed this “Stay Perfect” range, if only the transformation to my face was that good! Anyway, I do like the products and are happy to recommend them.

 

I like to add a touch of colour to my cheeks, but don’t like heavy powder blushers or dark shades, so I was pleased to discover Limited Collection Cream Blush from Marks and Spencer. I’ve chosen dusky rose, which gives me a healthy glow, and I really like the way the product glides on, blends easily and doesn’t look overdone.

As the weather gets cooler, skin needs a little more TLC, especially I find, on my hands. My new favourite product is Hand Therapy Anti-ageing Hand Cream from Superdrug. With UV filters, Vitamin E and Co-enzyme Q10, it has a light non-greasy formula that is easily absorbed and just a hint of scent. My hands will thank me for it!

What beauty buys are you investing in this autumn?

My Best Buys This May

I’ve really been enjoying the return to salad weather and tucking into Tesco Sweet and Smoky Beetroot – shredded beetroot that actually isn’t dowsed in vinegar. To my mind this is how beetroot should be eaten. I’m a bit unsure about the packaging though. It proclaims, “I’m new” and “Keep me in the fridge”. Er, I don’t think it can actually talk Tesco, so why insist on trying to thrust this human quality on it?

In our household, we occasionally enjoy a glass of Sprite/7Up Zero, but it can be pricey at around £2 for a 2-litre bottle, so I was thrilled when I discovered Tesco Lemon and Lime Zero for just 65p for the same size bottle. But then I was even happier when I found Sainsbury’s Lemon and Lime Zero for just 55p a bottle! Although the price has now risen to 60p it’s still a great buy, which is as tasty as the big name brands.

For a lovely summer meal, we’ve been enjoying Sainsbury’s Minted Lamb Grills (frozen, 4 for £2) accompanied by Sainsbury’s Microwaveable Golden Vegetable Rice (frozen, £1 for 2 sachets) and served with a salad. This is a tasty, budget, family meal that is quick and easy to prepare.

As a bit of a treat I’ve bought Marks and Spencer Passion Fruit and Peach Jaffa Cakes. They are absolutely gorgeous, but strangely come in packs of eleven, what’s wrong with twelve? Nevertheless, Jaffa Cakes have come of age!

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This April I’ve been …

… writing very few blog posts. My excuse? In a word, ‘life’. You know that thing that John Lennon sang “happens to you while you’re busy making other plans”. It’s been one of those months, umpteen viruses circulating in the household (I’ve experienced three myself), car problems of a major nature resulting in the purchase of an ‘emergency car’ to go on a planned break, some sad news and preparations for a big life change (more about that in future posts).

… opening up my static caravan in East Anglia after its winter sleep. I always love going back to it after not being able to visit for so long, and on this occasion the break was more welcome than ever. I call it my ‘happy place’ as its somewhere I can just relax, forget about the stresses of life, enjoy the sea air and countryside and just chill.

… playing pirate adventure golf, great fun and a great stress reliever!

… discovering that lots of shops seem to have had a spring change round. Some of them I can understand doing so, as they’re in the middle of refurbishment, but others I’m sure have changed things just to be awkward! For example, my local Marks and Spencer Outlet shop has put all the men’s clothes where the women’s used to be and vice versa. What’s the point of that?

… reading the series of Lake District mysteries by Martin Edwards. The books, featuring DCI Hannah Scarlett and historian Daniel Kind, are full of twists and turns in the plots and make for gripping reading.

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Free Coffee

There have been loyalty cards available from coffee shops, and indeed anywhere that you can purchase a cup of the brew, for many years.

I’ve spent a good many years myself peeling the little stickers off McDonald’s coffee cups, collecting the required six per card to claim my free cup of latte.

For some time I’d also had my Marks and Spencer loyalty card stamped, although this required ten stamps to qualify for a freebie, until the service at my local branch deteriorated somewhat, and I decided to seek refreshment elsewhere.

Last year I acquired a Tesco Family Café (Fonta Nella) card, which in the spirit of McDonald’s requires six stamps for a free coffee, and is handy for grabbing a latte to get me through the weekly shop.

But most recently, I’ve added a Greggs’ loyalty card to my collection – rather startling considering I’d had a bit of a falling out with them just over a year ago. I still haven’t returned to their cafés, but do sometimes grab a take-away coffee when on a shopping mission. In this case, you have to get the card stamped nine times (strange number) to be rewarded with a coffee, so it’s not as good as Tesco and McDonald’s but preferable to M&S.

Mind you, all of the aforementioned cards appear to offer better deals than a Costa card as far as I can see. I abandoned thoughts of getting this one, when it appeared that I’d have to spend the equivalent cost of a small family home (OK, bit of an exaggeration) to having any hope of having a coffee on the house.

But I have to say, free is always good, so I’ll keep collecting those stamps!

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This February I’ve …

 … been using Tresemmé Heat Defence Styling Spray (bought on offer at Superdrug) after getting a great new hairstyle, which has meant I’ve gone back to blow-drying my hair. The spray is easy to use, smells pleasant and doesn’t leave my hair feeling sticky – just spray onto hair prior to blow-drying to keep hair shiny and protected.

… browsing the many and varied independent shops of Whitstable in Kent. Whitstable, famed for its oyster fishing, is a lovely seaside town that has a unique charm and interesting selection of independent businesses. If you’ve never been there, make plans to visit.

… enjoying Marks and Spencer Cherry Liqueurs, part of the Valentine goodies brought for me by my husband. They are absolutely my most favourite chocolates in the whole world – and I’ve tasted a lot of chocolate!

…watching ‘Death In Paradise’, the detective drama set on the island of St Marie. I really didn’t get into the earlier series of this programme, but have to say I really like Kris Marshall in his role as DI Humphrey Goodman. I’ll be sad when the series ends.

… reading lots as always. Latest books include:

‘The Shadow Collector’ by Kate Ellis. I absolutely love Kate’s Devon-based detective, Wesley Peterson, who investigates crimes that seem to hark back to the past. This was as gripping a read as ever.

‘Murder On Summer’s Day’ by Frances Brody, another great tale from the Kate Shackleton series. This is another great story of intrigue featuring the 1920’s sleuth who is herself such a great character.

‘The Detective’s Daughter” by Lesley Thomson. Although this book has received some acclaim, it didn’t quite work for me. I guessed much of the outcome quite early on, and the actions of some of the characters just left me wondering “why?” I was too busy thinking what the characters should have done, to really lose myself in the story.

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Sifting Through The Sales

Although the sales started in the shops some time ago, it’s not too late to pick up a bargain or two. In fact, some of my best ever bargains have been bought during the closing stages of sales.

You may have heard me talk about the £3 pair of boots that I picked up in Marks and Spencer or the £5 pair of jeans that I bought on another occasion. This January I’m scouring the stores as usual for last minute finds.

There are still a number of toiletry, make-up and perfume sets on sale in places such as Boots (currently 50% discount, but usually changes to 75% or even 90% as sales progress), Superdrug and some supermarkets. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that these sets are only useful as gifts, as they are handy to just stock up your general supplies of cosmetics and toiletries if bought for the right price.

I’ve purchased a Nivea set containing Express Hydration Body Lotion (250ml), Express Hydration Hand Lotion (100ml) and Hydro Care Lip (4.8g) for just over £2. The usual retail price for these items individually is £3.75, £3.39 and £1.99 respectively, so this was a fantastic saving. This kind of gift set offer allows you to stock up with cosmetics and toiletries for some time to come at a bargain price.

Of course, a big rule of sale shopping is to only buy things that you are really going to use – don’t let a ridiculously low price tempt you into buying something that you wouldn’t normally consider purchasing!

So what are you waiting for? Get out there and trawl those last minute sale bargains.

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Keeping The Old

Long before local councils provided recycling facilities, we used a different form of recycling in our homes – it was more a case of re-using.

I grew up in a family where my nan kept buttons and the cards from tea packets in old toffee tins, my dad stored nuts and bolts in old coffee jars and my mum kept ‘odds and ends’ in an old biscuit tin. Things were re-used in all sorts of other ways too, rather than discard perfectly good items.

Today, many a jar, tin and box can be found in my house, put to some good use or other. I too have a button tin, but mine is in the shape of a house and once contained stationery. I fill it with the spare buttons that come with items of clothing and also buttons from garments that are past their wear – you never know when they may come in handy.

My sewing items are stored in a rather snazzy Marks and Spencer biscuit tin, circa 1984, which is just the right size and shape for all my needles, pins and reels of cotton. Then there’s the box full of things my children made at school, the jar of small change, the old sweet tin that gets refilled with treats (didn’t like the latest plastic version of Christmas chocolate containers though), the ‘odds and ends’ pot, the old tins containing pencils, pens etc – need I go on?

Just like my dad, my husband keeps assorted nails, screws and ‘things-we-might-need’ in numerous jars. Amongst the gifts I bought him at Christmas was a retro radio shaped tin containing toffees, in which he now intends to keep stationery items.

I love some of the clever designs of tins that exist and I much prefer to use them for storage than some of the (frankly quite expensive) trendy, purpose-made options in the shops. Why buy empty tins to put things in, when you can buy full tins, use or consume the contents then re-use for storage? It’s cheaper, kinder to the environment and much more fun.

So take my advice, it can be good to keep the old.

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So That Was 2013

“What have you done, another year over and a new one just begun…” to quote John Lennon. Indeed another year seems to have whizzed by, and now is the time to look back on its highs and lows and think what we would like to do differently, or perhaps more of next year.

Collectively we welcomed the new Pope and the newest addition to the Royal Family, Prince George, and said goodbye to the legend that was Nelson Mandela. Goodbyes were also said to Lady Thatcher amongst much controversy: I may not have loved her politics, but at the end of the day, I held on to the thought that she was a mother too, much missed by her family.

Across the world there was cause for sadness and shocks, as we witnessed some awful human acts and natural disasters that sometimes claimed lives. However, as is often the case in these situations, we must take comfort from the way ordinary people pull together, raising funds and supporting aid charities to help where possible.

On a personal level I celebrated a ‘milestone’ birthday, saw the birth of my first grandchild (a gorgeous little boy), questioned Ofsted and complained at the loss of Hypermobility classes from my local NHS physiotherapy department.

My blog looked at a range of products and services including make-up, cleaning products, toiletries, DS games and supermarket cafés. I looked at the whole issue of supermarkets using meat from sources other than the UK or even the EU, something that I’m still keeping an eye on.

Next year I’ll be reviewing a whole new set of products and services, continuing my ‘Random Thoughts’ and generally offering up my opinion on shopping and consumer issues.

But for now here are some of my winners and losers for 2013:

A Shoppers’ Joy thumbs up for: Tesco Clubcard, EDF Complaints Resolutions Manager, Max Factor Eye Brightening Mascara, the staff at the Morrisons café Cambourne, Avon Solutions Ageless Bloom Neck and Chest Treatment SPF15, the staff at Travelodge Middlewich, the Tower of London and the Nutmeg clothing range at Morrisons.

A Shoppers’ Joy thumbs down for: ‘Which?’ magazine’s subscription department (and the magazine come to that), Aldi, companies that make money from your PPI claim (you can do it for free yourself), Ofsted, people who speak loudly on their phones on public transport and the poor service I received at the Marks and Spencer café at Hempstead Valley.

Who will be in my good and bad books for 2014?

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So That Was October

October – a nip in the air, mists moving in, the faint smell of bonfires, leaves turning gold and in our household the return of casseroles, jacket potatoes, cottage pie and yummy henhouse pie (recipe here) to the menu.

I hate the onset of the long, dark evenings, but always find that this time of year I return more enthusiastically to the many crafts that I love. I’m currently preparing to embark on some cross stitch projects for Christmas, and have just bought the latest issue (number 10) of Enjoy Cross Stitch, a magazine full of cross stitch projects that comes in a zip-up plastic wallet, which also contains threads, cards and envelopes, felt frames, ribbons, Aida fabric and a needle all for the price of £7.99. I’m also back to knitting jumpers and gloves, rediscovering latch-hook rug-making after several years away from the craft and finishing a couple of tapestry projects.

On my blog my thoughts seem to have been very much focused on clothes – leggings, pyjamas, shoes and wardrobe favourites have all had a mention. With the onset of autumn it’s certainly a time to review our wardrobe, weeding out the summer clothes that we never did wear, and the jumpers from last year that we’re not really sure why we kept. Now’s the time to see what items we’re missing to complete our outfits for the new season – any excuse to go shopping!

Amongst all my ramblings I championed StayNew Leggings from the M&S Collection, but have to say the second pair I bought of these did not appear to be as thick as the first when it came to wearing them, which was somewhat of a disappointment, though I still prefer them to many other versions that I’ve tried.

There’ll be plenty more reviews and tales of customer service next month, in the meantime I’ll leave you with these little gems:

Best thing I’ve seen this month: Joseph And The Technicolour Dreamcoat performed at the Orchard Theatre, Dartford, Kent, a vibrant performance of the old favourite. This should have starred ‘H’ from steps, but on the night we went he was 'indisposed' and therefore replaced by Rob Wilshaw, who gave a stunning performance.

Best thing I’ve read this month: ‘The Sleep Room’ by F. R. Tallis, a subtly chilling read that leaves you wondering about the realities of life. Set in a part of Suffolk that I know well, it seemed all the more disturbing for me.

In my bad books this month: Marks and Spencer Café, Hempstead Valley, where a very surly assistant was rather rude and abrupt to me, resulting in me abandoning all ideas of lunch there! I promptly took my custom elsewhere – somewhere that treated me as a valued customer as opposed to a nuisance.

October’s Random Thoughts

Whilst out clothes shopping recently, I’ve been aware that so many shops and clothing departments seem to have reduced the number of mirrors in store. I find myself traipsing halfway round the shop in search of a decent mirror to stand in front of ‘umming and aahing’ about the garment draped across me. I know I can go into the changing rooms, and ultimately I do if a garment looks worth it, but I don’t want to spend my time vying for a cubicle if the colour of a garment is going to make my skin look yellow! To reach that conclusion all I need is a simple mirror.

The only problem I’ve found with my son’s Marks and Spencer ‘Ultimate Non-iron School Shirts’ is that ultimately they need ironing!

My award for ‘staying power’ has to go to Virgin Media who have consistently sent promotional literature to me about every three weeks for years on end, despite me resolutely ignoring them. I’m never going to be tempted by their services, and I’m sure I have made this known to them in the past, but still they soldier on, bless them (she says through gritted teeth).

Yes, I know it’s barely two months until Christmas, but I really don’t want to start buying all the food now, even if I’m starting to look at gifts. So why do supermarkets insist on stocking all the Christmas fayre now, clearing some of the things that I really want to buy off the shelves to make room for festive food far too early?

The Long And The Short Of Leggings

Leggings – they can be as controversial as they are comfy and be seen to be as slovenly as they are stylish, depending on your personal point of view.

I first wore leggings in my late teens/early twenties. It was lovely to come home from a hard day on the ward, and swap my nurse’s uniform complete with its ‘American Tan’ tights, for a loose top and a comfy pair of leggings.

At that time, leggings tended to be made from a substantial, jersey material that gave good coverage, even if they did cling to any odd lumps and bumps. Even so some fashionistas berated them, casting them into the realms of ‘crime against fashion’.

Alongside these leggings, you could buy footless tights – thick tights that, well, had no feet!

Fast forward to more recent times. A few years back my daughters started buying leggings – but not as I knew them. Eyeing the thin, Lycra material I exclaimed, “They’re footless tights!”

“No”, they replied, “leggings!”

Well, I beg to differ. So many pairs of ‘leggings’ that they have subsequently purchased have been much more reminiscent of footless tights.

If I had legs like these, I wouldn't bother with leggings

Meanwhile, with all the stylish tunic tops that are available, and lovely dress that beg to be worn but without exposing my knees to the public, I have once again returned to buying leggings myself.

And what a shopping experience that has been! I have trawled the shops rejecting many a pair on the grounds of being too thin (back to the footless tights), too patterned (I want to take the attention away from my legs not highlight them), too shiny or too wrinkly.

Then came the ‘Eureka’ moment, when I found my ideal pair. I can now happily recommend StayNew Leggings from the M&S Collection (good old Marks and Spencer). Available in three different leg lengths and a choice of colours (I’ve bought black and navy), they’re not too thin and fit really well thanks to the wider waistband, which doesn’t seem to slip down like thin elastic. At £9.50 a pair, they’re worth every penny.

So my daughters can keep their footless tights – what do you mean they’re leggings?

Scents Of Spring

With spring in the air (theoretically at least) and Mothers’ Day fast approaching, I thought that now was a good time to look at some of the lovely, light, fragrances in the shops, which make ideal gifts or lovely spring treats for floral yourself.

I am a big fan of floral scents finding they lift my mood, whilst smelling fresh without being too overpowering. Here Scents are some of my favourites.

Go floral for Spring

Elizabeth Arden Green Tea, £9.99 for 100ml at Superdrug. I’ve used this on and off for years as it has a lovely refreshing scent, which always makes me think of spring. It has both citrus and floral notes that really wake up your senses.

Marks and Spencer Florentyna, £12.00 for 100ml. A delicate flowery scent incorporating gardenia, jasmine, lily of the valley and orange blossom, presented in a bottle with a flower-inspired lid. Shower crèmes, body lotions etc are available in the same fragrance so that you can create the ‘layering’ effect.

Avon Simply Her, currently on special offer at £5.00 for 50ml. A delicate, new fragrance containing rose and lily of the valley, although I think this smells of citrus when first sprayed, changing to a more subtle 'powdery' scent over time.

Anais Anais by Cacherel, currently £14.99 for 30ml at Boots. Another of my old favourites that I return to from time to time. Based on white flowers including the Madonna Lily, it also has fruity and woody notes. The ultimate classic perfume in my book.

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Valentine’s Gifts

With Valentine’s Day approaching now’s the time to show your love and appreciation for that special person in your life – although I do hope you let them know you care all year round!

As Valentine’s Day draws nearer the shops become awash with fluffy teddies sporting sentimental messages, socks with corny slogans, rom com DVDs and 101 things that you didn’t even know you needed (and in all honesty probably don’t) emblazoned with pink and red hearts.

Gestures and treats can speak volumes (one of my favourite Valentine’s treats was a trip to the ballet), but a card and a small gift are always much appreciated.

Marks and Spencer always seem to come up with novel cards for any occasion, offering some unique designs you don’t find anywhere else. If you buy any cards from M&S be sure to pick up a greetings card loyalty card, buy 6 cards, get your card stamped for each one and when your loyalty card is full, get a seventh free.

Sainsburys are offering a range of fun and tasty Valentine’s goodies including Love Hearts Valentine's Tube (£1), Mr & Mrs Gingerbread Valentine's Bears (£1) and a bunch of five chocolate roses (£3). They’re also selling single, long-stemmed chocolate roses at £1 each, ideal for popping into a bouquet of fresh roses for an extra treat.

Meanwhile at Tesco you can pick up an 'engraved' chocolate heart for £2 or a Thorntons hollow chocolate devil for £3, amongst their selection of Valentine's treats.

If it's cake you're after, go for a pack of two decadent cupcakes (£2) from M&S to share with your loved one, or for a really sweet tooth plump for a chocolate brownie heart for £3.

More on Valentine's next week.

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Tasty Chocs & Changing Chocs

I must admit to being somewhat partial to chocolate, (OK, slight understatement) and have sampled a fair variety (another understatement). Chocolate is a lovely treat, not only because of its heavenly taste, but also for its mood-boosting properties and health benefits (admittedly, small quantity of ‘good quality’ dark chocolate usually recommended) including lowering both blood pressure and cholesterol.

So allow me to share a little chocolate with you (metaphorically of course) …

Flavoursome Favourites

Marks and Spencer Cherry Chocolate Liqueurs, oh, heaven! Dark chocolate (health drive here I come) surrounding a whole cherry and tasty liqueur – a big favourite of mine.

Asda Chocolate Mint Thins, superior to After Eights in my book, nicer chocolate, less sickly filling and a great price – just £1!

Cadbury’s Wispa, a good chunk of chocolate that you can really get your teeth into.

Galaxy Bubbles, a somehow ‘lighter’ variety of my favourite creamy, Galaxy chocolate.

Changing Chocs

Oh dear! What has happened to Cadbury’s Heroes? They no longer contain Bourneville, Dream or Picnic varieties. In fact, when we had them at Christmas, the tin largely consisted of crème egg (yuk, a term I rarely use in conjunction with chocolate) and fudge (almost as yuk) – a real disappointment.

Terrys Chocolate Segsations, sadly the plain chocolate segment appears to have disappeared from this orange selection, although the two-tone (milk and plain chocolate) segment still exists. Don’t really like the new toffee crunch variety and the jury’s still out on the popping candy option. Personally, I preferred the original selection.

Much Missed

Milk Tray and Plain Choice Bars, bars of chocolate divided into chocolate box style pieces, my personal favourite was the lime barrel. Would love these to make a comeback.

Weekend Chocolates and Candies, a box of chocs popular in the 70s – I used to get one in my stocking each Christmas and loved them (except for the orange and lemon jellies).

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Savvy Sales Shopping

I know that by the time you read this, the sales will have been in full flow for some time, but I always find that I get the best bargain towards the end of the sales.

If you had your eye on a particular item, then you may well have had to make an early sale visit to secure its purchase, but for a general bargain the ‘end of sale rail’ is the place to head.

Some of my best sale bargains have included Per Una from M&S jeans for £5 (originally £38), Marks and Spencer Ankle boots £3 (originally £40), an Anthony Worrall Thompson Health Grill £10 (from £40) and a Boots water filter jug system £3 (from £20). All were bought in the final stages of the sales; all were in brilliant condition and have been well used.

Many of you may have been flocking to Boots to buy reduced gifts sets, but in previous years I have found that by waiting a bit longer items have been reduced by 75% or even 90% in the closing stages.

Whatever sale items you buy and whenever you buy them, it’s worth remembering a few guidelines to cut the risk of buying something that you don’t actually want:

- Will you really use/wear the item, or are you just attracted to the bargain price?

- Does a garment actually fit you now? Don’t buy for a size you hope to be, only buy if the look and fit is right now.

- Will a garment stand the test of time, or is it already going out of fashion?

- Is the item in good condition, or if it is being sold with a fault, is it easily repairable? Small holes in the seams of garments or missing buttons can be put right easily and are often well worth the reduction.

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Christmas Gifts Episode V – Stocking Filler Heroes

Gone are the days when an apple, an orange and a sugar mouse constituted the contents of a Christmas stocking.

Whether you’re literally filling stockings or goody bags, or just looking for small gifts to tuck in with a larger present, these great little ideas are all £3 or less – they could be just what you’re looking for.

Sweet Treats

You can buy all kinds of novelty chocolate items this time of year, but I particularly love Sainsbury’s Chocolate Tool Set and Chocolate Make-Up Set at just £3 each. Other great buys are the Decorate Yourself White Chocolate Snowman, £3 at Morrisons, and small Mini Smarties Penguin (69p at Morrisons). For a slightly different sweet treat, check out Marks and Spencers Jazzie Trousers Mini Gingerbread Men, £2 for a pack of 10.

Grooming Gifts

A traditional but handy gift is a manicure set and you can’t go far wrong with the Woodland Escape manicure set just £1 from Wilkinsons. If you’re looking for a more comprehensive hand treatment, then the Skin Therapy Nail Gift Tin complete with hand cream is ideal, previously £4, now £3 at Wilkinsons. For a hand treatment that sounds good enough to eat, Sweet Snuggles Chocolate and Vanilla Hand Cream (boxed), 99p from Superdrug, is a great stocking filler.

There are some fantastic budget make-up and perfume sets around too. I recommend Woodland Escape Lip & Eye Set (£3, Wilkinson) and So Perfume/Body Spray Duos (also £3, Wilkinson). The W7 Brow Bar Stencil Set will also make a handy stocking filler at just £2.99 at Savers.

For the Guys, how about the Gillette Arctic Ice 3 Piece Gift Set, £2.99 at Savers.

Toys For The Boys

If the man in your life likes gadgets why not get him the 9in1 Multitool (£3, Wilkinson) or the LED torch (£2, Wilkinson). Or why not treat him to a special Christmas beer, Morrisons has a selection of 500ml bottles for £1.50 each, including Rudolph the Red Nosed White Horse Beer.

Kids Treats

There are so many well-priced stocking fillers available for children including Pirate Stationery Set £1.30 at Wilkinsons, Cra-Z-Art Glitter Poster Set £1.50 at Tesco and Tesco Go Create craft boxes including Keyring & Badge and Doorhanger & Bookmark kits, £2.95 each. Or if you’re after a cheaper version of Lego, Wilko Blox, £2 each or two for £3 at Wilkinson, make up great little vehicles (larger, higher priced sets also available).

Odd Fillers

For something a bit different try Christmas Scentos, colourful character scented marker pens (peppermint, chocolate and pine) £1.47 at Tesco. Or a good all-rounder is a pair of magic gloves, which expand to the required size, only 59p at Savers.

It’s getting nearer …

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The Eyes Have It

I’m one of the ‘less is more’ camp when it comes to eye make-up, and like products that enhance my eyes rather than make me look like a startled panda. Easy-to-use cosmetics giving natural results are what I choose.

Before applying eye shadow, I always use No7 Stay Perfect Smoothing and Brightening Eye Base (£7 at Boots) as it gives a lovely even-toned surface to apply the colour. Then I use Avon True Colour Eye Shadow, currently the 6-in-1 palette in Neutral Eyes (though this option does not appear to be on their website at present) or Chic Glamour, £11 each. This is a great little kit as it comes with two decent sized applicators and a mirror in the lid, and the toning shades just glide on. Also available in the range are handy True Colour duos and quads, for a splash of colour I like the Retro Glamour Duo (£6).

For eyelashes I use a brown/black shade of mascara, either Avon SuperExtend Extreme Mascara (£10 but on offer for £3.99 in Brochure 01 2013) or Max Factor Masterpiece Mascara (£9.99 at Boots) to define the lashes without clogging. To correct any mistakes along the way, I love Marks and Spencer Mascara Correction Buds (£3), little cotton buds filled with eye make-up remover, which target the mishaps without ruining the rest of the look.

To groom eyebrows the handiest little kit I’ve found is the MUA Pro Brow Ultimate Eyebrow kit, which holds everything you need in one handy little compact, including tweezers and taming gel, £3.50 at Superdrug.

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Misleading Price Labels

Have you been taken in by large labels reading ‘50p’ or ‘1/2 price’ only to later discover that they’re not what they seem at first glance?

On several occasions recently I’ve homed in on a label displaying a low price only to find on closer inspection, that there is small print accompanying it saying ‘save’ (50p), with ‘save’ being a fraction of the size of the ‘50p’, or a large ‘reduced by 75p’, in small print ‘now £1.80’.

Even Marks and Spencer are at it. On a recent trip to my local branch, I saw a large sign hanging over the toiletry department shouting ‘1/2 price’, which on closer scrutiny whispered ‘buy 1 get 1 (1/2 price).

Now I’ve learnt to check and double-check these signs and labels, having been caught out in the past. Indeed, I have seen others questioning a price at the till only to have the small print price pointed out to them.

But how many shoppers have picked up an item, believing the large print figure displayed to be the cost, not a reduction, and not noticed the higher price at the till? How many of you actually check your till receipts before leaving the store? At this point you could still return to customer services to get a refund if you don’t want to pay the unexpected higher price. But how many more of you never realise that you have paid much more than you intended?

A good example of price labelling, price is clearly displayed 

Is this what the manufacturers (sometimes the price has been labelled at source, as with magazines for example) and stores really intend? Are they hoping you will believe that you are paying a lower price, therefore enticing you to buy under false pretences? Pretty underhand if they are.

I expect that they would say that they are trying to highlight the saving to consumers, so in that case here’s a little tip from me. Use print of identical size for every part of the phrase “Save 50p, now £1.50” for example as opposed to “save 50p now £1.50”. No small print, no confusion. 

Let me know your experiences of misleading labelling email comments@shoppersjoy.co.uk